EPISODE 1: START HERE: Welcome to The Global Goer Podcast (Behind the Scenes)

Welcome to The Global Goer Podcast! I'm sitting at a Thai restaurant in Arizona with my daughter, and for a moment, I'm transported. The smells, the sounds, the elderly Asian woman shuffling over to fill my tea—I feel alive, like I'm accessing a part of who God made me to be.

If you've ever felt that same pull toward other cultures, that apostolic yearning to reach the edges of the Kingdom where the most lost people live—this podcast is for you. This isn't for everyone. It's a niche show for Global Goers: people who want to move overseas, wish they had done it years ago, or are creating experiences for others to reach the three billion with least access to the Kingdom of God.

In this first episode, I'm sharing why I created this show, who it's for, and what you can expect in the weeks ahead. Whether you're a parent who took a mission trip in college and wonders if you missed your window, or a young professional who doesn't fit the traditional mold—welcome. You're in the right place.

In This Episode:

The Thai restaurant story: why food and culture light me up (and probably you too)
My apostolic yearning—and why you're "not normal" either
Why there's already enough content trying to convince people to care about the nations, but not enough FOR people who already do
Who this show is for: Global Goers (whether you're going, went, or mobilizing others)
My backstory: Philippines, India, international students, refugees, church mobilization, mom of four
Why I wrote *Across the Street and Around the World* (20,000+ copies sold)
What to expect: weekly episodes dropping every Tuesday
Preview of the first 4 solo episodes
Two listener profiles: Sarah/Sam (38, parent) and Jake/Julie (24, professional)
Topics we'll cover: using your profession, diaspora or distance, family travel, third culture kids, reverse culture shock, what to do and what not to do, behind-the-scenes issues

Coming Up in Future Episodes

Field Realities: 15 Things You Should Know About Living Overseas (Before You Go)
When Your Lead Pastor Isn't Passionate About the Nations (And What to Do About It)
Ramadan 2026: How to Be Intentional With Your Muslim Friends (Pray, Fast, Party)
How to Eat an Elephant (Doing Big Dreams Without Detours)
One Way to Fund Your Passion Projects

Resources Mentioned:

✅ Take the Global Goer Quiz:**

Discover your unique path to making a global impact. Are you a Bleeding Heart, Strategic Thinker, Meaning and Purpose Person, Adventure Seeker, or Obedient Disciple?

👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/quiz

✅ Book:

Across the Street and Around the World: Following Jesus to the Nations in Your Neighborhood and Beyond (20,000+ copies sold)

👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/book

👉 Available on Amazon

✅ Courses:

Neighbors & Nations Course:

Comprehensive 6-module, 60+ lesson course to help you make disciples cross-culturally with confidence, courage, and authenticity

👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/nncourse

Inviting Muslims to Follow Jesus Course:

Learn how to build bridges and have spiritual conversations with Muslims without feeling frozen or getting into arguments

👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/invitemuslims